For the period between Jan. 2017 and Jan. 2018, 952 measles cases were reported in Venezuela (732 by laboratory and 220 by epidemiological link), according to UN officials.

Face of child with measles. Image/CDC
Face of child with measles. Image/CDC

Most of the cases are from Bolívar state, accounting for 82% of the total confirmed cases, although there were cases reported in Apure, Anzoategui, Delta Amacuro, the Capital District, Miranda, Monagas, Vargas, and Zulia.

The municipality of Caroni, Bolivar State, is the epicenter of the outbreak.

The spread of the virus to other geographical areas is explained by the presence of factors such as the high migratory movement of the population due to formal and informal economic activity around mining and commercial activity.

The most affected age group among the confirmed cases are children under 5 years of age, accounting for 59% of the confirmed cases, followed by the group of 6 to 15 years of age, accounting for 30% of the confirmed cases.

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As part of the intervention, a National Rapid Response Plan was designed to interrupt the transmission of the virus, including the use of regional and municipal rapid response teams, the implementation of vaccination strategies and activities, epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing and follow up, and training of health personnel; supported technically by the national level.

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